Steve Millar

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Steve Millar

Junior outfielder Peyton Globke has emerged as Lincoln-Way West’s go-to guy off the bench. Warriors coach Jake Zajc will often save him for the right moment, bringing him in to pinch hit in a big situation. Globke does everything he can to be prepared for the moment, staying focused mentally and making sure to remain in gear physically — especially on cold early season days. “Coach always tells me to be ready for those moments,” Globke said.

1 week ago | chicagotribune.com | Steve Millar

Katelyn Mrozowski is getting a big opportunity as a freshman midfielder for Lincoln-Way West. Being thrown into the varsity starting lineup right away and being counted on to play a key role can be daunting, but Mrozowski was confident she could handle it. “Everybody’s older than me and I have these expectations on me as a freshman, so it’s just about living up to those expectations,” Mrozowski said. “You just have to step up and take on the challenge.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Steve Millar

Homewood-Flossmoor’s Demir Heidelberg takes the field every day on a mission, fueled by the desire to honor his father’s memory and make him proud. Heidelberg’s dad, Demetrius, died in July. Demir, a senior infielder/outfielder, confirmed that he plays with his father on his mind constantly. “I’m dedicating the season to my dad,” Heidelberg said. “I know he’d want me to continue on, go strong and finish out the dream he had for me.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Steve Millar

Lincoln-Way Central and Lockport hold onto top spots, while Mother McAuley joins the rankings. Top 10With records through Wednesday and previous rankings in parentheses. 1. Lincoln-Way Central 7-1 (1)Abby Sudkamp and Knights bounce back from Lockport loss by shutting out Andrew and Minooka. 2. Lockport 6-2 (3)Yuridia Hernandez scores in 1-0 win over Lincoln-Way Central. Porters, Knights split two games. 3.

2 weeks ago | chicagotribune.com | Steve Millar

Hayden Spodarek tried several sports when she was younger, including softball, which her older sister, Morgan, starred in at Lockport and now plays at McKendree. But soccer was the only thing that stuck for Hayden, a junior defender for the Porters. “Soccer has always been my sport,” Spodarek said. “Everything else was boring. My parents tried everything. Softball was boring. Gymnastics was boring. Cheerleading was boring.